BMW Shows Off Its Updated 2 Series Tourer And Gran Tourer

A standard facelift for the multi-purpose vehicles

BMW is giving its MPV duo, the 2 Series Tourer and Gran Tourer, the traditional mid-life refresh, adding in a few select tweaks to the exterior styling and features, as well as new tech in the cabin and small improvements to the powertrain. The people movers won’t see sales here in the U.S., but will continue in the U.K., Germany, and China as soon as March of this year.

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The Full Story

For those of you who may be unaware, the BMW 2 Series isn’t relegated to the coupe and convertible we get here in the states. Across the pond, Bimmer also sells the nameplate in Active Tourer guise with a five-seater MPV, or alternatively, as the longer-wheelbase 2 Series Gran Tourer packing a seven-seater interior. The duo are framed as a combination of expanded interior space and practicality, plus a good deal of comfort and engaging driving qualities to boot. BMW made the move to the MPV segment in 2014 as a means to combat the Mercedes-Benz B-Class, and so far, it’s been doing pretty well, selling some 380,000 units as of the end of 2017.

Now, the Bavarians are divulging details on refreshed models that offer updates on par with Bimmer’s traditional mid-cycle refresh.

Outside, we find headlight housings that are chunky and solid looking, and come equipped with optional adaptive LED lighting elements.

Outside, we find headlight housings that are chunky and solid looking, and come equipped with optional adaptive LED lighting elements, plus an adaptive “dazzle free” feature. There’s also LED elements in the horizontal fog lights, as well. The nose of the two models uses a tweaked front air dam and rear apron, while the sporty M models are more aggressive thanks to pronounced creases that lend the whole thing a much meaner expression. Higher up, the usual kidney grille intakes are now larger, while in the rear, the twin tailpipes get a larger diameter, once again adding a little extra spice to the whole package (yes, we know these MPVs aren’t exactly tire-shredding track monsters, but they aren’t total snore-fests when it comes to the styling deparment, either).

The body panels are now offered in two new paint options, including Jucaro Beige and Sunset Orange. In the corners, buyers can choose between six new and different styles for the wheels, with sizing between 17 and 19 inches in diameter. These are mostly composed of complicated multi-spoke designs, with the simplest of the bunch being a split five-spoke look applied to the 766 M option.

Moving inside the cabin, there’s a new instrument display located behind the steering wheel, offering a simplified two-gauge layout that shows road speed on the left and engine rpm on the right. Complementing the gauges is a new shifter in the center console. The sitters get new covers focused on enhancing comfort, plus there’s Sensatec and cloth upholstery in two different color schemes. If you’re feeling saucy, you can also get yours in attractive mocha leather.

BMW ConnectedDrive is once again included, and arrives with updated features. Adaptive cruise control and traffic jam assist lead the list of optional driver tech, while further options include a navigation system with a central screen measured between 6.5-inches and 8.8-inches. Voice control is tossed in as well.

Meanwhile, under the hood, the powerplant options get minor updates focused primarily on enhancing efficiency. However, in addition to a 5-percent fuel mileage increase, there's a few extra ponies and pound-feet for motivation as well.

Meanwhile, under the hood, the powerplant options get minor updates focused primarily on enhancing efficiency. However, in addition to a 5-percent fuel mileage increase, there’s a few extra ponies and pound-feet for motivation as well. The drive type will once again continue to be FWD. Both diesel and gas options head the list, while updates include tweaks to the crankshaft, heat management systems, valve train, and turbocharger, all in the name of increasing efficiency. Power levels range between 109 horsepower and 231 horsepower for the Active Tourer, while the Gran Tourer ranges between 109 horsepower to 192 horsepower. There’s also a plug-in hybrid offering 28 miles of all-electric range and 224 horsepower.

Finally, there are two automatic transmission options, including either a seven-speed or an eight-speed. There’s also a six-speed manual on the table, depending on your trim of choice.

All told, the MPVs sell quite well in Germany, the U.K., and China, but won’t see dealers in the U.S. However, interested buyers overseas will have a shot at one as soon as March of this year. Pricing is expected to slot in at around 26,000 pounds in the U.K., or $35,114 at current exchange rates (1/10/2018).